His remarks prompted recriminations from several quarters, including former State Department officials who said such cables always carry the secretary’s signature. They stressed that only the most sensitive are ever seen by the secretary.

On Friday, the Washington Post labeled the seven-term lawmaker’s statement on Fox a “whopper.” But Issa spokesman Frederick Hill said the cable is significant because it shows requests for more security were denied through official channels.

“The cable itself states ‘signature’ next to Clinton’s name and some of the names of those who participated in the process of clearing and approving the cable,” Hill said.

Those names were blacked out by the State Department in copies given to Congress.

“On multiple occasions, congressional investigators objected to these redactions and requested unredacted documents, including this cable,” Hill said. “State Department has still not complied with these requests.”

On another front, an effort by Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, to have the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Doherty and Woods is gaining momentum, according to Hunter spokesman Joe Kasper.

The medal is the highest honor the country can bestow on a civilian. Hunter introduced the award legislation in March, saying the men deserve it for their efforts to save Stevens and other U.S. personnel.

Woods’ father, Charles Woods, said he isn’t paying much attention to the congressional investigations but hopes Congress will approve the medal sought for his son and Doherty.